Cat Lady Undercover

Anyone who’s read this blog for a while knows I identify as a dog person. In this world, you’re one or the other, it seems, but just because you lean towards one doesn’t mean you dislike the other. I happen to like cats a lot, too. Which is why I took my daughter to check out the 2012 San Diego Cat Show this weekend. It really is a different world.

Much like a dog show, there are ‘rings’ where the cats are judged.

There’s none of this running around in a show lead, however. The cats wait in a cage until it’s their turn.

The judge takes the cat out. Stretches them out a bit, maybe waves a feather around.

And they were very interactive with the spectators, telling them what they were looking for in a cat.

Champion cats proudly displayed their ribbons.

There is also a category for “household” (ie non-show) pets, who can win in categories as well. Here is a former stray who is, as you can see, doing quite well for himself now.

This is an agility course. I am so sad they wouldn’t let me photograph while a cat was running it, because trust me, it’s cool. In order to compete, the cat needs to finish the circuit in 3 minutes, though the fastest that day finished in 10 seconds.

But the best part for me was just seeing so many beautiful kitties, like these Cornish Rex:

And this Oriental Shorthair. Will you LOOK at that muzzle!

I’m pretty sure this regal cat is an Abyssinian. Cat fancy breeds are not my strong suit. ETA: The consensus of you all is that this is in fact a Somali- I was waffling on that. See previous sentence. 😀

And a beautiful Tonkinese. Look at that little face.

All eyes.

I adore ragdolls. These guys were sooooo cute. I wanted to stick one in my purse. (Ragdolls are my kitty Boston terriers.)

The number one Burmese in the country getting some love and hugs.

And a Persian doing what cats love best.

Of course, no cat show is complete without some accessories of questionable taste.

Dinnerware and puzzles, as well.

You know you’re at a cat show when there is an entire dumpster dedicated to the leavings. Wouldn’t want to be the lucky guy who gets to empty that one out.

We had a great time getting to know some new kitty breeds and just hanging out with people who love felines dearly. Maybe I am a teeny bit of a cat lady after all.

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Comments

that was definitely an Abyssinian! I’m a crazy cat lady, I go to my local agricultural show (county fair) every year just to watch the cat show! did you see any of the long haired rex breeds (Selkirk Rex, LaPerm)? last year I was lucky enough that the owner of a Selkirk let me pat him after the judging. his coat felt absolutely beautiful. I also got to snuggle with a couple of gorgeous Maine Coons too. Maine Coons aren’t a very well known breed in Australia so I was very lucky to get to meet them.

I really want that dish that says “everything tastes better with cat food”! I collect cat themed things and that dish would go perfectly with my doormat that says “the cat and it’s housekeeping staff live here”.

Cat shows are fun, very different (more chaotic) than dog shows. I noticed you didn’t say how many of the lovely cat accessories you came home with.

Our local cat shelter, Purrfect Pals, hosts a huge Average Joe Cat show near Seattle. The show cats are all rescues and household cats, most are available for adoption. The categories they are judged on are things like longest whiskers, loudest purr, softest fur in the west, etc. For cat people, it is over the top fun.

I think you can switch between favorites. Ten years ago, I would have identified myself as a cat person. Now I’ve found that caring for the dog fulfills my nuturing side. The cat didn’t like the constant fussing. So now I’m more of a dog person. But maybe in later years, I’ll veer back towards cats (when I’m ready for more independence).

I have a few of those dishes 🙂 And I would wear that shirt, but only around the house. My little Siamese-mix, Ragdoll look-a-like is my Best in Show! Thanks so much for sharing the behind-the-scenes stuff.